Yankees Rumors: New York Interested in Red Sox Aaron Cook?

Aaron Cook and the Boston Red Sox have a decision to make.  Depending on what that decision is, Cook could wind up back on the market or on the trade block before the week’s end.  If either of those situations were to happen, Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com hears that the New York Yankees would be interested in Cook.

The Red Sox had until midnight last night to call up Cook.  Because they didn’t, Cook’s opt-out was activated.  According to the clause, Cook has 24 hours to determine if he’s going to opt-out of his minor league contract with the Red Sox.  If he does, the Red Sox would then have 48 hours to either call him up or trade him.  If they do neither within the 48-hour window, Cook will become a free agent.

Over his five starts with Triple-A Pawtucket, Cook has maintained an ERA and WHIP of 1.89 and 1.110.  Cook is a 10-year major league veteran, and during his time in the bigs the right-hander has posted an ERA and WHIP of 4.53 and 1.468.

The Red Sox would seem to have a need for all the pitching they could get.  Their bullpen is statistically the worst in the majors and only one of their starters has an ERA south of 4.40.

If the Red Sox were to pass up on Cook and decide to release him or trade him, Heyman hears from an agent, that is not Cook’s, that the Yankees would target the veteran.  New York’s bullpen is set, but the back end of their rotation has severely underperformed.

Phil Hughes (7.88 ERA) and Freddy Garcia (12.51 ERA) may not be long for the Yankees starting rotation.  With Michael Pineda’s injury, the Yankees anticipated pitching depth took a big hit.  Andy Pettitte is making his way back to the majors, but it would make sense for the Yankees to also take a flier on a pitcher such as Cook.

For more on the Red Sox and Yankees be sure to check out BoSox Injection and Yanks Go Yard.

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